Computer system and method for determining an insurance rate

ABSTRACT

In a computer system and computer implemented method for determining an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance, one or more industry classification attributes, indicative of an industry segment associated with the property, are selected. A basic rate is determined from rate values assigned to the selected industry classification attributes. One or more target classification attributes, indicative of the property&#39;s attractiveness as a target for terrorism, are also selected. An aggravating rate is determined from rate values assigned to the selected target classification attributes. The insurance rate is determined from the basic rate and the aggravating rate. The assignment of insurance rates to a property based on the selection of target classification attributes for the property makes it possible to include the risk of a terrorist attack in the rating process, without having to determine probability distributions of terrorist attacks or estimate expected loss caused by terrorist attacks.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computer system and a computerimplemented method for determining an insurance rate. Specifically, thepresent invention relates to a computer system and a computerimplemented method for determining an insurance rate forterrorism-related property insurance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For determining an insurance rate for non-private property insurance,typically, an industry segment is selected for the property and theinsurance rate is determined based on rate values assigned to theindustry segment selected. Non-private property insurance includescoverage for corporate, government or public buildings, for example. Therate values are assigned to the different industry segments based onhistorical loss experience. The payable insurance premium is based onthe insurance rate and the total sum insured. However, determining aninsurance rate for property insurance based on industry-specificclassification of the property does not include any consideration of thespecial risk of a terrorist attack.

US 2004/0186753 describes a method for quantifying the insurance riskfrom a variety of catastrophic events including a terrorist attack.According to US 2004/0186753, a probability distribution for a terrorismevent and a corresponding claim distribution are developed. A company'sinsurance risk is quantified based on the geographic distribution of itsissued policies related to the terrorism event. One skilled in the artwill understand, however, that it is extremely difficult to develop areliable probability distribution for a terrorism event.

US 2004/0249679 describes systems and methods for qualifying expectedloss due to terrorism. According to US 2004/0249679, the risk of aterrorist attack is assessed using a cognitive engineering process tocreate hierarchical decision-making models of terrorist behavior.Specifically, the factors that are deemed to influence the probabilityof occurrence of terrorist attacks against a property are based onBayesian networks. The system determines estimates of expected lossconsidering possible modes and locations of attacks. Based on theestimates of expected loss, different premiums for terrorism insuranceare defined.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide an alternative computersystem and an alternative computer implemented method for determining aninsurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance. In particular,it is an object of the present invention to provide a computer systemand a computer implemented method for determining an insurance rate forterrorism-related property insurance which do not require probabilitydistributions of terrorist attacks or estimates of expected loss causedby terrorist attacks.

According to the present invention, these objects are achievedparticularly through the features of the independent claims. Inaddition, further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependentclaims and the description.

For determining an insurance rate for terrorism-related propertyinsurance, selected are one or more industry classification attributes,indicative of an industry segment associated with the property. A basicrate is determined from rate values assigned to the industryclassification attributes.

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned objects areparticularly achieved in that one or more target classificationattributes are selected which are indicative of the property'sattractiveness as a target for terrorism. An aggravating rate isdetermined from rate values assigned to the target classificationattributes. The insurance rate is determined from the basic rate and theaggravating rate. Preferably, the insurance rate is determined bymultiplying the aggravating rate with the basic rate. Rather thanfocusing on the severity of the damage caused by terrorism ordetermining possible probability distributions of terrorism events, theselection of target classification attributes provides an assessment ofa property's level of attraction of terrorism. The assignment ofinsurance rates to a property based on the selection of targetclassification attributes for the property makes it possible to includethe risk of a terrorist attack in the rating process, without having todetermine probability distributions of terrorist attacks or estimate theexpected loss caused by terrorist attacks.

In an embodiment, defined ratios of the property are assigned todifferent target classification attributes and the aggravating rate isdetermined based on the target classification attributes and respectiveratios. Assigning parts of a property to different target classificationattributes makes it possible to assess properly the level of attractionof terrorism for a property that has different parts with differenttarget classification attributes.

In an embodiment, the target classification attributes includegeographic classification attributes indicative of the property'sgeographic location. Defined ratios of the property are assigned todifferent geographic classification attributes and the aggravating rateis determined based on the geographic classification attributes and therespective ratios. Including geographic classification attributes astarget classification attributes makes it possible to assess aproperty's attractiveness as a target for terrorism based on theproperty's geographic location. For example, a geographic classificationattribute related to the proximity of a landmark in Washington D.C.would be associated with a higher rate value than a geographicclassification attribute related to a small town in a rural area.Assigning parts of a property to different geographic classificationattributes makes it possible to assess properly the level of attractionof terrorism for a property that is distributed geographically, i.e. aproperty comprising parts situated in different geographic locations.

In an embodiment, the target classification attributes include ownershipclassification attributes indicative of the property's owner. Theaggravating rate is determined based on the ownership classificationattributes selected for the property. Including ownership classificationattributes as target classification attributes makes it possible toassess a property's attractiveness as a target for terrorism based onthe owner and/or tenant of the property. For example, an ownershipclassification attribute related to the U.S. Military would beassociated with a higher rate value than an ownership classificationattribute related to a relatively unknown family.

In an embodiment, the target classification attributes include technicalclassification attributes indicative of the property's practical orsymbolic significance. Defined ratios of the property are assigned todifferent technical classification attributes. The aggravating rate isdetermined based on the technical classification attributes and therespective ratios. Including technical classification attributes astarget classification attributes makes it possible to assess aproperty's attractiveness as a target for terrorism based on special(i.e. significantly higher-than-average) practical or symbolicsignificance associated with the property. For example, a property usedfor conferences of international organizations or for processingradioactive materials and a property including a landmark building wouldbe associated with a technical classification attribute having a highrate value. Assigning only parts of a property to a technicalclassification attributes or assigning different parts of a property todifferent technical classification attributes makes it possible toassess properly the level of attraction of terrorism for a property thatcomprises different parts with different practical use or symbolicsignificance.

In an embodiment, the target classification attributes include publicityclassification attributes indicative of public exposure and/or politicalperception of the property. The aggravating rate is determined based onthe publicity classification attributes selected for the property.Including publicity classification attributes as target classificationattributes makes it possible to assess a property's attractiveness as atarget for terrorism based on a special (i.e. significantlyhigher-than-average) public exposure and/or political perception of theproperty. For example, a property associated with a major UScorporation, an international political or financial organization, or aproperty associated with a racial/minority discrimination case, massivelabor disputes or unethical corporate behavior would be assigned apublicity classification attribute having a significantly high ratevalue.

Preferably, stored are sets of target classification attributes and ratevalues assigned to the target classification attributes. A set of targetclassification attributes includes one of geographic classificationattributes, indicative of the property's geographic location, ownershipclassification attributes, indicative of the property's owner, technicalclassification attributes, indicative of the property's practical orsymbolic significance, and publicity classification attributes,indicative of public exposure and/or political perception of theproperty. The aggravating rate is determined based on the geographicclassification attributes, the ownership classification attributes, thetechnical classification attributes, and/or the publicity classificationattributes selected and assigned to a property. Preferably, anaggregated aggravating rate is determined by aggregating multipleaggravating rates, each determined based on one or more targetclassification attributes selected for the property. Subsequently, theinsurance rate is determined by multiplying the aggregated aggravatingrate with the basic rate. The sets of target classification attributesand the rate values assigned to the target classification attributes canbe adapted to current events and developments in economy, politics, andterrorism. The aggravating rate or aggregated aggravating raterepresents a weighting factor indicative of a property's level ofattraction of terrorism.

In addition to a computer system and a computer implemented method fordetermining an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance,the present invention also relates to a computer program productincluding computer program code means for controlling one or moreprocessors of a computer system such that the computer system performsthe method, particularly, a computer program product including acomputer readable medium containing therein the computer program codemeans.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be explained in more detail, by way ofexample, with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating schematically an exemplaryconfiguration of a computer system for practicing embodiments of thepresent invention, said configuration comprising a computer with adisplay and data entry means.

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram illustrating an example of a sequence ofsteps executed according to the present invention for determining aninsurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 refers to a computer system fordetermining an insurance rate for terrorism-related property insurance.As is illustrated in FIG. 1, the computer system includes a computer 10,connected to a display 11 and to data entry means such as a keyboard 12and/or a pointing device 12′. The computer 10 is provided with one ormore processors and is implemented as a personal computer, for example.

As is illustrated in FIG. 1, the computer system 1 includes severalfunctional modules: a control module 101, a configuration module 102,and an application module 103. The functional modules are implementedpreferably as programmed software modules stored on a computer readablemedium 100, connected fixed or removable to the processor(s) of thecomputer 10. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that thefunctional modules can also be implemented fully or in part by means ofhardware. The computer system 1 also includes a database 104,implemented as a relational database, a spreadsheet or anotherstructured data file.

The control module 100 is configured to provide to the user of thecomputer system 1 a user interface for selecting and activating theconfiguration module 102 or the application module 103. In a variant,the functional modules are implemented in one common computer program,for example as a spreadsheet application. The user interface is shown ondisplay 11. Data and control commands are entered by the user using thedata entry means.

The configuration module 102 is configured to manage targetclassification attributes and associated rate values. When selected andactivated, the configuration module 102 makes it possible for a user tolist, add, modify and delete target classification attributes andassociated rate values in the database 104. As is shown in Table 1, atarget classification attribute includes an attribute type, possibly anattribute subtype for hierarchically structured attribute types, and anattribute value. A rate value is assigned to each target classificationattribute in the database 104. Table 1 shows different sets of targetclassification attributes: geographic classification attributes,ownership classification attributes, technical classificationattributes, and publicity classification attributes. The geographicclassification attributes are divided into subsets of differentsubtypes, category one, two, three and four. The technicalclassification attributes are divided into subsets of differentsubtypes, group one, two and three. For each attribute type/subtype of atarget classification attribute, there is a list of defined attributevalues. Each target classification attribute, defined by its attributetype/subtype and its attribute value, has a specific assigned ratevalue, for example in the range of [0 . . . 10]. The targetclassification attributes and their assigned rate values may vary overtime depending on political, social and economic development. At thispoint in time, the geographic classification attributes of category onehaving the highest rate value may include geographical locations outsidethe United States, such as Afghanistan or Iraq, and inside the UnitedStates, such as Washington D.C. or the financial district of New YorkCity. On the other hand, the geographic classification attributes ofcategory four having the lowest rate value may include geographicallocations outside the United States, such as Canada or Switzerland, andinside the United States, any place not included in categories one, twoand three. Likewise, at present, ownership classification attributeshaving a high rate value include the US government, whereas theownership classification attribute having the lowest rate value relatesto any other ownership not included specifically in the list of definedattribute values. The technical classification attributes of group onehaving the highest rate value include landmark buildings. The technicalclassification attributes of group two having the second highest ratevalue include conventions and congress centers, radioactive materialsprocessing plants, or storage facilities of hazardous goods. Thepublicity classification attributes having high rate values includemajor US corporations, US weapons industry, or international financialorganizations.

TABLE 1 Target Classification Attribute Attribute Type/Attribute SubtypeAttribute Value Rate Value Geographic Category 1 {list of category 1 [0. . . 10] Classification attribute values} Attribute Geographic Category2 {list of category 2 [0 . . . 10] Classification attribute values}Attribute Geographic Category 3 {list of category 3 [0 . . . 10]Classification attribute values} Attribute Geographic Category 4 {listof category 4 [0 . . . 10] Classification attribute values} AttributeOwnership Classification Attribute {list of ownership [0 . . . 10]attribute values} Technical Group 1 {list of group 1 [0 . . . 10]Classification attribute values} Attribute Technical Group 2 {list ofgroup 2 [0 . . . 10] Classification attribute values} AttributeTechnical Group 3 {list of group 3 [0 . . . 10] Classification attributevalues} Attribute Publicity Classification Attribute {list of publicity[0 . . . 10] attribute values}

The database 104 also stores industry classification attributes managedby configuration module 102 and/or loaded as a data file from anexternal source 13 over a communication link. A rate value is assignedto each industry classification attribute in database 104. In theexample illustrated in Table 2, an industry classification attribute isstructured hierarchically and includes three levels of attribute valuesdefining an industry segment. For each level of attribute value of anindustry classification attribute, there is a list of defined attributevalues. Each industry classification attribute, defined by its levelone, two and three attribute values, has a specific assigned rate value,for example in the range of [1 . . . 10].

TABLE 2 Industry Classification Attribute Level 1 Attribute Level 2Attribute Level 3 Attribute Value Value Value Rate Value {list of level1 {list of level 2 {list of level 3 [1 . . . 10] attribute values}attribute values} attribute values}

When selected and activated, application module 103 makes it possiblefor the user to determine an insurance rate for terrorism-relatedproperty insurance for a specific property or property portfolio.

In step S0, through a user interface provided on display 11, theapplication module 103 receives from the user general information aboutthe particular case of property insurance. The general informationincludes, for example, account information, e.g. a company name oraccount identifier, the dates of inception and expiration of theinsurance, a monetary currency and foreign exchange rate, a monetaryamount indicating the limit of liability, a monetary amount indicatingthe attachment point, and a monetary amount indicating the total suminsured (TSI) exposed in the insurance layer.

In step S1, through a user interface provided on display 11, theapplication module 103 receives from the user industry classificationattributes for the property or property portfolio to be insured.Specifically, the application module 103 receives from the user signalsand/or instructions for selecting industry classification attributesfrom database 104. If the industry classification attributes arestructured as illustrated in Table 2, the industry classificationattributes are defined by the user selecting for each level of attributevalues a value from the respective list of defined attribute values. Forexample, for each level of attribute values, the respective list ofdefined attribute values stored in the database 104 is made available tothe user through a drop down pick list.

In step S2, the application module 103 calculates a basic rate based onthe industry classification attributes selected in step S1.Particularly, the basic rate is determined from the total sum insuredentered in step S0 and the rate value assigned in the database 104 tothe industry classification attributes selected in step S1. In thepresent example, the rate value associated with the industryclassification is determined by the industry classification attributedefined by the level one attribute value, selected from the list oflevel one attribute values, the level two attribute value, selected fromthe list of level two attribute values, and the level three attributevalue, selected from the list of level three attribute values.

In step S3, through a user interface provided on display 11, theapplication module 103 receives from the user target classificationattributes indicative of the property's attractiveness as a target forterrorism. Specifically, the application module 103 receives from theuser signals and/or instructions for selecting target classificationattributes from database 104.

In step S4, the application module 103 receives from the user selectedgeographic classification attributes. c In step S41, different ratios ofthe property, e.g. percentages of the total sum insured, are assigned todifferent geographic classification attributes applicable to theproperty. If the geographic classification attributes are structured asillustrated in Table 1, the ratios are entered, for example, in dataentry fields organized as illustrated in Table 3, i.e. in data entryfields assigned to the different subtypes (categories) of the geographicclassification attribute. The labels indicating the particularcategories of geographic intensifiers are configured to be activated bythe user to show the list of category attribute values stored indatabase 104 assigned to the respective category one, two, three orfour. In the example illustrated in Table 3, the categories of thegeographic classification attributes (geographic intensifiers) arefurther divided into different major geographic or political regions,specifically categories associated with the United States and categoriesnot associated with the United States. In the example shown in Table 3,10% of the total sum insured are associated with category two outsidethe United States, 20% of the total sum insured are associated withcategory three within the United States, and 70% of the total suminsured are associated with category four within the United States. Instep S42, application module 103 checks if the ratios of the propertyassigned to the geographic classification attributes add up to 100%. Ifthe ratios do not add up to 100%, the application module 103 receivesfurther ratios in step S41. Otherwise, application module 103 proceedsto step S5. Depending on the embodiment, the rate value associated witha particular category of the geographic classification attributes isshown in the user interface, as illustrated in Table 3, or is not shown.

TABLE 3 Categories of Geographic % of TSI in Layer % of TSI in LayerIntensifiers (Non-USA) (USA) Rate Value Category 1 0%  0% 9.00 Category2 10%   0% 7.00 Category 3 0% 20% 4.00 Category 4 0% 70% 2.00 Total 10% 90% 100% Percentage

In step S5, the application module 103 determines the aggravating ratebased on the geographic classification attributes selected in step S4.Specifically, the aggravating rate is determined based on the ratiosspecified for the different geographic classification attributes and therate values assigned to the respective geographic classificationattributes. For the example shown in Table 3, the aggravating rate basedon the geographic classification attributes is calculated as10%·7.00+20%·4.00+70%·2.00=2.90.

In step S6, the application module 103 receives from the user a selectedownership classification attribute. Specifically, the application module103 receives from the user signals and/or instructions for selecting anownership classification attribute from database 104. If the ownershipclassification attributes are structured as illustrated in Table 1, theownership classification attribute (ownership intensifier) is selectedby the user from the list of ownership attribute values. For example,the list of ownership attribute values stored in the database 104 ismade available to the user through a drop down pick list.

In step S7, the application module 103 determines the aggravating ratebased on the ownership classification attributes selected in step S6.Specifically, the aggravating rate is determined based on the rate valueassigned to the respective ownership classification attributes.

In step S8, the application module 103 receives from the user selectedtechnical classification attributes. Specifically, the applicationmodule 103 receives from the user signals and/or instructions forselecting technical classification attributes from database 104. In stepS81, different ratios of the property, e.g. percentages of the total suminsured, are assigned to different technical classification attributesapplicable to the property. If the technical classification attributesare structured as illustrated in Table 1, the ratios are entered, forexample, in data entry fields organized as illustrated in Table 4, i.e.in data entry fields assigned to the different subtypes (groups) of thetechnical classification attributes. The labels indicating theparticular groups are configured to be activated by the user to show thelist of group attribute values stored in the database 104 assigned tothe respective group one, two or three. In the example illustrated inTable 4, the groups of the technical classification attributes (groupsof technical intensifiers) are further divided into different majorgeographic or political regions, specifically groups associated with theUnited States and categories not associated with the United States. Inthe example shown in Table 4, 10% of the total sum insured areassociated with group two outside the United States and 20% of the totalsum insured are associated with group three within the United States.Depending on the embodiment, the rate value associated with a particulargroup of the technical classification attributes is shown in the userinterface, as illustrated in Table 4, or is not shown.

TABLE 4 Group of Technical % of TSI in Layer % of TSI in LayerIntensifiers (Non-USA) (USA) Rate Value Group 1 0% 0% 9.00 Group 2 10% 0% 7.00 Group 3 0% 20%  3.00

In step S9, the application module 103 determines the aggravating ratebased on the technical classification attributes selected in step S8.Specifically, the aggravating rate is determined based on the ratiosspecified for the different technical classification attributes and therate values assigned to the respective technical classificationattributes. For the example shown in Table 4, the aggravating rate basedon the technical classification attributes is calculated as10%·7.00+20%·3.00=1.30.

In step S10, the application module 103 receives from the user one ormore selected publicity classification attributes. Specifically, theapplication module 103 receives from the user signals and/orinstructions for selecting publicity classification attributes fromdatabase 104. If the publicity classification attributes are structuredas illustrated in Table 1, the publicity classification attributes(publicity intensifiers) are selected by the user from the list ofpublicity attribute values. For example, the list of publicity attributevalues stored in the database 104 is made available to the user througha list with check boxes, as illustrated in Table 5. Selection of mutualexclusive publicity classification attributes is suppressed. Dependingon the embodiment, the rate value associated with a particular publicityclassification attribute is shown in the user interface, as illustratedin Table 5, or is not shown.

TABLE 5 Check-box Publicity Intensifier Rate Value Publicity IntensifierA 9.00 Publicity Intensifier B 8.50 . . . . . . X Publicity IntensifierQ 3.00 . . . . . . X Publicity Intensifier N-1 1.50 PublicityIntensifier N 1.00

In step S11, the application module 103 determines the aggravating ratebased on the publicity classification attributes selected in step S0.Specifically, the aggravating rate is determined based on the sum of therate values assigned to the selected publicity classificationattributes. For the example shown in Table 5, the aggravating rate basedon the publicity classification attributes is calculated as3.00+1.50=4.50.

In step S12, the application module 103 calculates an aggregatedaggravating rate as the sum of the aggravating rates determined in stepsS5, S7, S9 and S11.

In step S13, the application module 103 calculates the insurance ratefor the terrorism-related property insurance from the basic ratecalculated in step S2 and from the aggregated aggravating ratecalculated in step S12. For example, the insurance rate is calculated bymultiplying the basic rate with the aggregated aggravating rate. Theinsurance rate is displayed in the user interface on display 11.

In step S14, the application module 103 checks if the user wants to exitthe application module 103. If execution of the application module 103is to be stopped, the application module 103 proceeds to step S15.Otherwise, the application module 103 continues in step S3.

In step S15, the application module 103 stores in a data file thegeneral information received in step S0, the industry classificationattributes received in step S1, the basic rate calculated in step S2,the target classification attributes and respective ratios received instep S3, the aggravating rates calculated in steps S5, S7, S9 and S11,the aggregated aggravating rate calculated in step S12, and theinsurance rate calculated in step S13. For example, this data file isstored as a data record in database 104, as a spreadsheet, or as anotherstructured data file.

It must be pointed out that the particular order of steps set forth inthe specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims.The foregoing disclosure of the embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A computer system for determining an insurance ratefor terrorism-related property insurance, the system comprising: meansfor selecting one or more industry classification attributes, indicativeof an industry segment associated with the property; means fordetermining a basic rate from rate values assigned to the industryclassification attributes; means for selecting one or more targetclassification attributes, indicative of the property's attractivenessas a target for terrorism; means for determining an aggravating ratefrom rate values assigned to the target classification attributes; andmeans for determining the insurance rate from the basic rate and theaggravating rate.
 24. The system according to claim 23, furthercomprising: means for assigning defined ratios of the property todifferent target classification attributes; and wherein the means fordetermining the aggravating rate is configured to determine theaggravating rate based on the target classification attributes andrespective ratios.
 25. The system according to claim 23, wherein thetarget classification attributes include geographic classificationattributes indicative of the property's geographic location; wherein thesystem further comprises means for assigning defined ratios of theproperty to different geographic classification attributes; and whereinthe means for determining the aggravating rate is configured todetermine the aggravating rate based on the geographic classificationattributes and respective ratios.
 26. The system according to claim 23,wherein the target classification attributes include ownershipclassification attributes indicative of the property's owner; andwherein the means for determining the aggravating rate is configured todetermine the aggravating rate based on the ownership classificationattributes selected for the property.
 27. The system according to claim23, wherein the target classification attributes include technicalclassification attributes indicative of the property's practical orsymbolic significance; wherein the system further comprises means forassigning defined ratios of the property to different technicalclassification attributes; and wherein the means for determining theaggravating rate is configured to determine the aggravating rate basedon the technical classification attributes and respective ratios. 28.The system according to claim 23, wherein the target classificationattributes include publicity classification attributes indicative ofpublic exposure and/or political perception of the property; and whereinthe means for determining the aggravating rate is configured todetermine the aggravating rate based on the publicity classificationattributes selected for the property.
 29. The system according to claim23, further comprising: means for storing sets of the targetclassification attributes and rate values assigned to the targetclassification attributes, a set of the target classification attributesincluding one of geographic classification attributes, indicative of theproperty's geographic location, ownership classification attributes,indicative of the property's owner, technical classification attributes,indicative of the property's practical or symbolic significance, andpublicity classification attributes, indicative of public exposureand/or political perception of the property; wherein the means fordetermining the aggravating rate is configured to determine anaggregated aggravating rate by aggregating multiple aggravating rates,each determined based on one or more target classification attributesselected for the property; and wherein the means for determining theinsurance rate is configured to determine the insurance rate bymultiplying the aggregated aggravating rate with the basic rate.
 30. Acomputer implemented method for determining an insurance rate forterrorism-related property insurance, the method comprising: selectingone or more industry classification attributes, indicative of anindustry segment associated with the property; determining a basic ratefrom rate values assigned to the industry classification attributes;selecting one or more target classification attributes, indicative ofthe property's attractiveness as a target for terrorism; determining anaggravating rate from rate values assigned to the target classificationattributes; and determining the insurance rate from the basic rate andthe aggravating rate.
 31. The method according to claim 30, furthercomprising: assigning defined ratios of the property to different targetclassification attributes; and wherein the aggravating rate isdetermined based on the target classification attributes and respectiveratios.
 32. The method according to claim 30, wherein the targetclassification attributes include geographic classification attributesindicative of the property's geographic location; wherein the methodfurther comprises assigning defined ratios of the property to differentgeographic classification attributes; and wherein the aggravating rateis determined based on the geographic classification attributes andrespective ratios.
 33. The method according to claim 30, wherein thetarget classification attributes include ownership classificationattributes indicative of the property's owner; and wherein theaggravating rate is determined based on the ownership classificationattributes selected for the property.
 34. The method according to claim30, wherein the target classification attributes include technicalclassification attributes indicative of the property's practical orsymbolic significance; wherein the method further comprises assigningdefined ratios of the property to different technical classificationattributes; and wherein the aggravating rate is determined based on thetechnical classification attributes and respective ratios.
 35. Themethod according to claim 30, wherein the target classificationattributes include publicity classification attributes indicative ofpublic exposure and/or political perception of the property; and whereinthe aggravating rate is determined based on the publicity classificationattributes selected for the property.
 36. The method according to claim30, further comprising: storing sets of the target classificationattributes and rate values assigned to the target classificationattributes, a set of the target classification attributes including oneof geographic classification attributes, indicative of the property'sgeographic location, ownership classification attributes, indicative ofthe property's owner, technical classification attributes, indicative ofthe property's practical or symbolic significance, and publicityclassification attributes, indicative of public exposure and/orpolitical perception of the property; wherein the aggravating rate isdetermined by aggregating multiple aggravating rates, each determinedbased on one or more target classification attributes selected for theproperty; and wherein the insurance rate is determined by multiplyingthe aggregated aggravating rate with the basic rate.
 37. A computerprogram product including a computer readable medium containing thereincomputer program code means for controlling a computer such that thecomputer: selects one or more industry classification attributes,indicative of an industry segment associated with a property; determinesa basic rate from rate values assigned to the industry classificationattributes; selects one or more target classification attributes,indicative of the property's attractiveness as a target for terrorism;determines an aggravating rate from rate values assigned to the targetclassification attributes; and determines an insurance rate forterrorism-related insurance for the property from the basic rate and theaggravating rate.
 38. The computer program product according to claim37, further comprising computer program code means for controlling thecomputer such that the computer: assigns defined ratios of the propertyto different target classification attributes; and determines theaggravating rate based on the target classification attributes andrespective ratios.
 39. The computer program product according to claim37, further comprising computer program code means for controlling thecomputer such that the computer: selects as one of the targetclassification attributes one or more geographic classificationattributes, indicative of the property's geographic location; assignsdefined ratios of the property to different geographic classificationattributes; and determines the aggravating rate based on the geographicclassification attributes and respective ratios.
 40. The computerprogram product according to claim 37, further comprising computerprogram code means for controlling the computer such that the computer:selects as one of the target classification attributes an ownershipclassification attribute, indicative of the property's owner; anddetermines the aggravating rate based on the ownership classificationattribute selected for the property.
 41. The computer program productaccording to claim 37, further comprising computer program code meansfor controlling the computer such that the computer: selects as one ofthe target classification attributes one or more technicalclassification attributes, indicative of the property's practical orsymbolic significance; assigns defined ratios of the property todifferent technical classification attributes; and determines theaggravating rate based on the technical classification attributes andrespective ratios.
 42. The computer program product according to claim37, further comprising computer program code means for controlling thecomputer such that the computer: selects as one of the targetclassification attributes one or more publicity classificationattributes, indicative of public exposure and/or political perception ofthe property; and determines the aggravating rate based on the publicityclassification attributes selected for the property.
 43. The computerprogram product according to claim 37, further comprising computerprogram code means for controlling the computer such that the computer:stores sets of the target classification attributes and rate valuesassigned to the target classification attributes, a set of the targetclassification attributes including one of geographic classificationattributes, indicative of the property's geographic location, ownershipclassification attributes, indicative of the property's owner, technicalclassification attributes, indicative of the property's practical orsymbolic significance, and publicity classification attributes,indicative of public exposure and/or political perception of theproperty; determines the aggravating rate by aggregating multipleaggravating rates, each determined based on one or more targetclassification attributes selected for the property; and determines theinsurance rate by multiplying the aggregated aggravating rate with thebasic rate.